Manufactures and sells Clearstream Wastewater Systems.

In an ongoing effort to protect the Chesapeake Bay and promote long-term environmental health in coastal communities, Virginia has made an important shift in how septic system pump-outs are managed and enforced.

As of July 1, oversight for the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (CBPA) Pump-Out Program has officially transitioned from local governments to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). This change affects septic system owners, contractors, and real estate professionals across the Eastern Shore, Middle Peninsula, and Northern Neck regions — areas where Alcat Precast proudly operates and provides Clearstream Wastewater Systems.

What Is the CBPA Pump-Out Program?

The CBPA Pump-Out Program requires that onsite sewage systems (OSS) including conventional and alternative septic systems be pumped out or inspected at least once every five years. The purpose? To prevent system failures, reduce nitrogen loads in local waterways, and protect the health of our soil and water resources.

Why the Transition to VDH?

Prior to this, local governments were responsible for implementing and enforcing pump-out programs. However, program success varied significantly:

  • Some counties didn’t enforce the pump-out requirement at all

  • Only about 25% of required pump-outs were being completed

  • Notification and tracking systems were inconsistent

  • Enforcement efforts were minimal to nonexistent

To solve these problems, the state legislature passed House Bill 2322, enabling the VDH to take over and standardize enforcement, education, and reporting across all affected regions.

Key Features of the New Program

Here’s what has changed, and what you need to know:

Pump-Out or Inspection Every 5 Years

Homeowners must either:

  • Have their septic tanks pumped out by a licensed professional, or

  • Receive an inspection from a DPOR-licensed operator verifying the system does not need pumping yet

Licensed Professionals Only

All inspections must be performed by licensed onsite sewage system operators, installers, or evaluators.

Web-Based Reporting

Licensed contractors are now required to submit a report online to the VDH after each site visit.

Better Compliance = Cleaner Water

Pump-outs help reduce nitrogen pollution by approximately 5% per system. With over 104,000 OSS in the affected regions, full compliance could significantly improve water quality.

Why This Matters: Challenges & Opportunities

  • Limited Infrastructure: Many rural areas lack facilities to handle increased pump-out volume

  • Data Gaps: Localities have historically used different systems for tracking compliance

  • Environmental Risks: Failing systems can introduce solids, fats, oils, grease (FOG), and nitrogen into groundwater and local waterways

  • Community Health: Vulnerable communities in coastal zones need better long-term wastewater planning

What’s Ahead: VDH’s Long-Term Goals

The VDH is exploring several strategies to boost compliance and support communities:

  • Education and outreach campaigns

  • Targeted enforcement through civil penalties

  • Incentive programs like vouchers or discounts

  • Contractor partnerships and public service lists

  • Statewide standardization for even broader impact

How You Can Help as a Septic Professional, Realtor, or Homeowner

  • Stay Informed: Understand pump-out requirements in your area

  • Request and Share OSS Records: Especially during real estate transactions

  • Use Licensed Service Providers: Always verify DPOR licensing

  • Direct Clients to Resources: VDH provides a list of approved contractors and education tools (including QR codes and links to local programs)

Alcat Precast’s Role in Protecting the Bay

At Alcat Precast, we’re more than just a manufacturer, we’re your local partner in environmental protection and wastewater education. We supply state approved precast systems, including Clearstream Wastewater Systems and pump tanks, to help meet evolving regulatory standards.

We’re proud to support contractors, real estate professionals, and homeowners as Virginia moves toward stronger septic oversight and a cleaner Chesapeake Bay.

Have questions about wastewater systems, pump-out requirements, or choosing the right components for your site? Reach out to the Alcat Precast team today. We’re here to help every step of the way.